What should believers do when passion becomes difficult to control?
In this St. James MBC Sunday message, Pastor Henry Cotton turns to 1 Corinthians 7:8–9 and Paul’s counsel about singleness, marriage, self-control, and holiness.
God’s Standard Still Matters
Pastor Cotton reminds believers that following Christ requires more than profession.
Trying to claim Christian faith while continuing to live by worldly standards creates contradiction.
God’s expectations are firm, but Pastor Henry Cotton emphasizes that God also equips believers to obey Him.
Paul presents singleness as a practical advantage for some believers because it allows greater freedom to serve God without the obligations that come with marriage.
When Passion Becomes Difficult to Control
Pastor Cotton explains that dating should move toward clarity and commitment.
When a couple’s passion becomes difficult to control, Paul’s instruction is direct: marry rather than give in to sexual sin.
The issue is not creating the perfect wedding.
It is honoring God.
Pastor Henry Cotton cautions couples against allowing elaborate ceremonies, long engagements, or material expectations to delay commitment while placing themselves in situations that weaken their testimony.
Commitment Before Ceremony
Marriage does not require having everything in place first.
Couples can build a life together over time.
Pastor Cotton encourages believers to focus on obedience, commitment, and faith rather than waiting for ideal circumstances or worrying about the opinions of others.
When believers seek God’s kingdom and follow His direction, they can trust Him to provide what they need.
Listen to the Full Sunday Message
This captures only part of Pastor Henry Cotton’s teaching.
In the full SJMBC Sunday Message, “When You Cannot Control Your Passion,” Pastor Cotton goes deeper into Paul’s counsel on singleness, marriage, self-control, sexual temptation, and trusting God while making serious relationship decisions.
